Reject applications from your smartphone
It doesn't matter if it's Google Fit , the default app on your phone, or one you downloaded yourself. They don't work.
A British university has conducted a study, published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, using data from the Health app on Apple iPhones. The study concluded that you're likely walking more than the app indicates, as it has a 21,5% margin of error . Want to learn how to better interpret your data? Discover how to improve the accuracy of your measurements in this study on daily step count.
How have they found this out? Making a comparison with the data obtained with a classic pedometer and manually counting the steps that have been taken.
It's very interesting that the faster you walk, the app's margin of error decreases to 5%. This means we could get a much more accurate reading. The problem is that if you walk slowly or at a normal pace, the margin of error rises to 9,4%. The researchers explained that most people don't carry their phones with them 24/7, so it won't count the steps you take when you go to the bathroom, get out of bed, or walk around the house. For a more reliable measurement, you might prefer a rugged sports watch with dedicated features.
But we can get something good out of all this: when your mobile tells you that you have reached 10.000 steps a day, in reality you will have walked much more.
And the activity bracelets?
The margin of error isn't as high as with smartphones, but it's not as accurate as a pedometer either. Furthermore, it's been shown that the data varies depending on the fitness tracker you have. Some brands overcount (Fitbit) and others undercount (Xiaomi). The truth is, we can't expect miracles, and all we'll get is a guide to our distance. Want to choose the best one for you? Check out our comparison of the best fitness trackers on Amazon.
It's more reliable than an app, since you wear the bracelet all day, but I myself have checked that I was walking and my Xiaomi Band 3 didn't count the steps.
Ideally, you'd use a classic pedometer if you want almost 100% accurate step counting. Otherwise, opt for an activity tracker for a much more realistic estimate. For an affordable and effective option, check out our article on fitness trackers that measure blood oxygen and other health parameters.
